Protector of the Realm (29 page)

“Strangers brought his body back. No explanations, just his body, in the back of a terrain hover vehicle. I made Tereya stay out of sight and arranged to have him buried at his favorite place on the estate.” Kellen forced herself to go on, although the memory of her father’s broken body, the gray paleness of his skin, still caused her nausea. “Later I found out that he and his group had rescued political prisoners from one of the asteroid-belt prisons, but when they returned, the Onotharians ambushed them.”

Rae laced her fingers together, her glance unwavering. “I’m sorry we have to bring up such painful memories.”

“I understand the necessity for these questions.” Kellen tried to keep her voice matter-of-fact.

“We’ve seen evidence of how you joined another resistance group when you were eighteen.”

“The resistance leaders approached me several times before I became of age. I could not leave Tereya home alone, so it wasn’t until we both enrolled in the Academy that I saw the first opportunity to make a difference and honor my father without risking Tereya. We stayed on campus in Ganath, the capital, and I went on missions when I knew Zax and Tereya were busy with studies and each other.”

“What was the nature of your missions?” the admiral asked.

Kellen hesitated for a moment, her eyes finding Rae’s. “As soon as I was able to use my pilot’s license, I started transporting refugees and other resistance members, both planet-side and to nearby systems or asteroids, using different aircraft put at my disposal. I never asked where the resistance cell got them, and I participated in low-risk missions because of my duty toward Tereya. I also served as a courier, transporting documents off-planet to resistance-owned ships hiding in the asteroid belt.”

“Low-risk, you say. I guess everything is relative,” Ewan Jacelon said. “You must have put your life on the line for your country on several occasions. Did any of your missions result in major collateral damage?”

Kellen felt her anger erupt as she looked at the faces of the individuals around the table. “The Gantharat resistance makes sure that civilians, whether Gantharians or Onotharians, are safe. We are
not
terrorists. We don’t go after soft targets. The Onotharian government, however, doesn’t bother to show the same consideration. Many Gantharian men, women, and children have died because of their actions. Even their own people have suffered, since many of them voiced their opinion against the occupation. Onotharat and Gantharat were once allies, and many families have mixed heritage. Now, family members are at war with each other.

“So, to answer your question. No, I have not killed any civilians or innocent people. However, I have destroyed several military Onotharian vessels, and the soldiers aboard died in the process.” Kellen was not about to make excuses for taking the lives of her oppressors, and she looked straight at Rae, half expecting her face to show dismay. But to Kellen’s surprise, she merely nodded as if she understood. “If you had seen what these bastards did to Tereya. The local Onotharian police force ruled it an accident, but it was obviously not. There’s no way I can make you understand how terrible it was to watch her die, and to once again take care of a loved one who was dead from excessive violence.” Kellen found it increasingly hard to speak. “She was a beautiful, loving mother. Armeo deserved to have her in his life--and she was eliminated, murdered in cold blood.”

Kellen fell silent then, aware that her emotions were running so hot, she could misjudge in some way and undermine her own cause. Thankfully, the admiral began to speak, taking her mind off her agonizing memories and giving her a chance to compose herself.

“Armeo has the potential to become either a pivotal person when it comes to Gantharat’s and Onotharat’s future or a formidable puppet for any mastermind who gets their hands on him,” he said. “I now understand why you are so adamant about protecting him--you and nobody else. I have communicated with the Supreme Court judge presiding on the
Dalathea
, and she informs me she intends to try this case personally. Judge Beqq is one of our leading experts on intergalactic law, and since SC doesn’t acknowledge Onotharat’s occupation, Gantharian law takes precedence.”

“So Kellen's case is strong?” Rae asked.

The admiral hesitated. “I'm not sure how much weight it will carry. According to Judge Beqq, being a Protector of the Realm falls into a legal gray zone. It’s an ancient tradition, originally bestowed upon twenty different families centuries ago, now dwindled to one living person protecting one last member of the Gantharian royal family.”

Unable to remain seated, Kellen rose and walked over to the porthole. Staring at the busy port outside, she placed a hand against the transparent aluminum, feeling its cold surface on her palm. “Four dynasties shared the honor when the occupation began,” she said. “During the first five years, they fought hard to keep the O’Saral family safe. More than fifty individuals gave their lives, but in the end their sacrifice was pointless. The Onotharians systematically targeted and destroyed the O’Saral Royale. My father had no alternative. He had to keep Tereya’s identity a secret. I knew when he died that protecting and fighting for Tereya, and later Armeo, would be my lifelong duty.”

She whirled around, eye ablaze and all her muscles engaged. “Make no mistake. I will remain at Armeo’s side and keep him safe--or die trying.”

*

Rae had never seen Kellen look more dangerous, or beautiful, as she did standing there before the porthole like a sleek feline defending her offspring against predators, the lights from stars and spaceships behind her.

Rae looked around the table. “Let’s adjourn. Kellen has confirmed the information we need, and I now wish to speak to her alone. Dismissed.”

Admiral Jacelon quirked a sardonic eyebrow at being dismissed by his daughter, but only stated he was going to catch up on some sleep.

When the door closed behind Lieutenant Grey, Rae remained seated for a moment. Then she slowly rose and crossed the floor, not taking her eyes off the other woman, who looked less like the Kellen she had begun to know over the last few days and more like the angry and defiant alien she had tractor-beamed to
Gamma VI
. Still, the sight of the young woman she had married evoked a surge of emotions within her. She wanted to rush over to her, take her in her arms, and swear everything would be all right. Sensing such actions were out of the question, she resorted to merely gazing at her, thrilled by her beauty.

“My plans haven’t changed,” she said, inserting strength into her voice, wanting to set things straight. “Our marriage, and consequently our mutual guardianship of Armeo, is still on.”

“And your father? Is he still going to be ‘the person beyond reproach’ we need to convince the SC legal system?” Kellen hissed. “He sounded less certain now that he knows the truth. It’s more than he bargained for, isn’t it? Armeo’s heritage, my position…” Her pupils dilated, rendering her eyes dark shadows. “How can you be sure he won’t change his mind when the political situation is so much more volatile than he originally thought?”

Rae folded her arms across her chest. “My father has worked nonstop since the battle yesterday to inform himself of your laws, your history, of all
you
didn’t tell us, in order to keep Armeo safe and with the woman he considers his mother. I realize you had to be careful, but once you knew what I was prepared to do to protect you…” Rae clenched her teeth against the stab of pain. “You could have told me the truth.”

Kellen clasped her hands, and Rae noticed from the whitening skin how her blunt fingernails dug into her flesh. “You don’t have to remind me of what you were prepared to do, Rae. I know you’ve put your life on a five-year hold.”

“That’s not what I meant!” Rae stepped closer. “Granted, the first day, I thought of it as an overwhelmingly long time, but how can you suggest after last night that you think it’s all about sacrifice?” Appalled at how hurt she sounded, Rae bit off the last word. Turning, she meant to put some distance between them, when a hand on her arm stopped her.

“Rae, don’t…don’t go.”

“I’m not going anywhere. We’re going to finish this conversation.” She looked at Kellen. “Last night was just about the two of us. You were all I was thinking of.”

“And I thought only of you. It hurts to know the plans have changed.”

“What makes you think that?” Her head spinning, Rae tried to remember what was said during the meeting.

“The judge your father consulted, the same judge who will be presiding at the custody hearing, thinks Supreme Constellation intergalactic law may not support my role as a Protector. Even if M’Ekar loses the case, I risk losing Armeo to someone else that the SC deems more fit for this assignment.”

“My father has found nothing to indicate Judge Beqq will take a boy from the only family he’s ever known! What’s more, he will still speak on our behalf, and if you ask me, this entire station is prepared to testify for you after what you did yesterday.” Suddenly she realized this was Kellen on the verge of panic. Going into action mode, she struck out in all directions in a desperate measure of defense--one woman against the universe. The habit of a lifetime.

Rae took her gently by the shoulders. “Listen to me, darling. We’ve learned more of your past, that’s true, but you’ve committed no crimes, nor are you guilty of any wrongdoing. Yet. If you take Armeo and run now, however, the SC will not look favorably on it. They will think you put him in unnecessary danger.”

Kellen inhaled deeply. “I was certain…” She blushed faintly. “I was certain you and your father were about to change your minds.”

Deciding to gamble, Rae listened to her heart and embraced Kellen tightly. “Do you usually jump to conclusions so rashly?” she asked with deliberate tenderness.

Kellen stiffened. “I don’t know. I’m so used to carrying the full responsibility on my own. I
need
to be suspicious, to constantly assume the worst.” She slowly wrapped her arm around Rae. “This strategy has kept Armeo and me alive through the years. It saved us from the pirates we ran into on our way to SC space.”

“I understand.” Rae kissed below Kellen’s ear. “I
do
understand, but it’s important that you get used to talking to me. If we can’t trust each other, Armeo is in jeopardy. I want to keep the two of you in my life, and I don’t just mean for the sake of justice.”

Kellen pulled back and looked down at Rae. “What are you saying?”

Lifting her hand, Rae caressed her wife’s cheek with the back of her hand. “Surely you must realize what’s growing between us? Can you blame me for wanting to hold on to that as well?”

“No, I can’t blame you. After last night I was confused. For the first time, my main objective wasn’t clear. Don’t misunderstand. I would still do anything to keep Armeo safe…but the way you make me feel. It’s unexpected.”

“As in good unexpected?” Rae quirked an eyebrow. She wished she could read the emotions chasing each other in her wife’s eyes.

“Yes.” Kellen surprised her with a breathtaking smile, making her inhale deeply and forget to exhale. Her sheer beauty was enough to make Rae lose track of more than her breath.

“I need you to promise me something,” she urged. “I know you’re impulsive, but I’m certain you wouldn’t lie to me. Tell me you won’t grab Armeo and run. Come to me first, and we’ll solve whatever situation may come up together. Don’t ever just…disappear.”

After a pensive moment, Kellen nodded. “Very well. I give you my word. However, no matter how I feel about you, Armeo comes first.”

“Of course he does.” Rae glimpsed a strange sadness in Kellen’s eyes and let her hand slide down the black leather sleeve of her suit. “How do you feel about me? Or is it too soon for me to ask?”

“You’re my first personal indulgence in a very long time. I feel…happy with you.”

“Oh, Kellen. I know what you’re saying, better than you think.” Rae sighed. “Even now, I have to get back to work. I have memorials to prepare.” Feeling Kellen flinch, she hugged her closer. “You’ll be there with me, won’t you?”

“Are you sure?”

“I need you there. This part of my work is the hardest for me.”

“In that case, I’ll be by your side.” Kellen kissed Rae, and it felt more like a kiss of comfort than passion. “I’ll find out what’s appropriate to wear. When does it start?”

“This evening at 1900 hours.” Rae allowed herself to close her eyes and lean into her wife. “Thank you.”

As she entered her quarters, Rae dismissed the security guard on duty before she tugged at her dress-uniform jacket. The buttons wouldn’t budge, and she cursed under her breath. Kellen came out of Armeo’s room, looking composed if a little pale.

“Armeo’s sound asleep and…What’s wrong?” She crossed the floor.

“The damn collar is choking me,” Rae hissed, tugging violently at the offending garment.

“Shhh, let me help you.” Kellen nimbly undid the many golden buttons on the dark red jacket. Gold epaulettes adorned its shoulder pads, and tiny golden braids formed intricate patterns down its sleeves. “It’s a beautiful uniform. You need to be careful.”

“Right now I’m not in the mood to be careful,” Rae muttered as Kellen carried the jacket away to hang it. Weak in the knees suddenly, she placed a hand on the table next to her.

She had known the memorial would be difficult, but she was unprepared for the anger that had almost choked her while she gave the eulogies. She was so frustrated and incensed with her own failure it made her nauseous. Rae slammed her palm on the table and realized the stinging sensation did not mitigate her fury for a second. She could still see the faces of the people who had lost loved ones in the battle, and she knew from experience these images would haunt her for a long time. They always did. So did her self-castigation, no matter how unproductive it was. Only one thing had been different today. Just as it was time for the last eulogy, her lungs had caved in, not allowing enough oxygen to reach her veins. Desperately struggling for composure, she had ended up focusing on the serene face of her wife, who sat close to the middle aisle, and only then did her voice return.